ACT Fire & Rescue launch fire safety campaign for Canberrans living in multi-storey buildings. Photo: istock
ACT Fire & Rescue have launched a fire safety campaign for Canberrans living in multi-storey buildings to encourage residents to stay alert and be fire safe during the cold winter months.
According to the 2016 census, 35 per cent of Canberrans live in high-density buildings and ACT Fire & Rescue warn locals to be fire safe in their apartment to help reduce the number and severity of winter fires.
ACT Police and Emergency Services Minister Mick Gentleman joined ACT Fire & Rescue Chief Officer Mark Brown to launch the campaign which reminds residents and tenants to be prepared.
The campaign encourages residents to reduce the risk of a fire starting, to identify emergency exits and first-attack firefighting equipment in your building and to create an escape plan and practice it.
“Close proximity living, like apartments and unit complexes, pose a unique challenge for residents and responding emergency services due to the height, arrangement, and nature of the buildings,” Mr Gentleman said.
“Historically, winter is the worst time of the year for fires in the home. The best way to keep you and your family safe is to prevent fires from occurring and to know what to do in case of a fire.”
Chief Officer Mark Brown said ACT Fire & Rescue responded to 319 automatic fire alarms in multi-storey buildings during winter last year.
“The most common cause of fires start in the kitchen, with the majority of those caused by unattended cooking,” Mr Brown said.
“To reduce these numbers, it is important that we work to change people’s behaviour and attitude towards home fire safety. It can take just three minutes for a fire to take hold, but only seconds to prevent one.”
For more information visit the ACT Emergency Services Agency website.
Loading ...
